Tulipa 'Horizon'

The 'Horizon' Tulip is one of those modern hybrids with double flowers that, to surprise and seduce, take on the appearance of other flowers loved by gardeners. This variety, called the peony-flowered tulip, chooses to evoke certain double-flowered hollyhocks by the distribution of its colours and the duplication of its corolla. First spherical, bright red bordered with white and pale yellow, it opens up, revealing at the base of each petal a broad macule of bright red on a snowy white background. An extraordinary flower, remarkable in flowerbeds, in flower pots, and in bouquets!

The Double Late Tulip 'Horizon' belongs to the family of Liliaceae. Of horticultural origin, introduced in 1999, it is currently classified in the group of 'Late Double Tulips', but also in the section of Peony-Flowered Tulips, whose main characteristic is to present very double and crumpled flowers with generous shapes. 'Horizon' is of modest size (40cm (16in)) and its flower is of a beautiful size, up to 10cm (4in) in diameter, first spherical, double and well arranged. The flowering takes place between the end of April and mid-May, towards the end of the tulip season. Each stem, firm and very sturdy, carries a single flower that holds up well in flowerbeds as well as in a vase, in a bright pink-red color widely bordered with white. It is also a plant that has very good hardiness. The foliage is composed of large lanceolate leaves, bluish green with a slightly greyish appearance.

With a wealth of colours, opulent and long-lasting flowers, suitable for both flowerbeds and bouquets, the fame of peony-flowered tulips is well established. They are unparalleled for bringing fantasy to pots or sunny gardens when planted in groups. This 'Horizon' variety deserves a small round flowerbed reserved for it, by planting about fifteen bulbs in well-prepared soil. It also pairs well with a white variety like 'Mount Tacoma', or a red one like 'Chato', for example. In gardens and pots, double tulips are enhanced by small flowers such as forget-me-nots, daisies, dame's rocket, pansies, and honesty. Don't forget to consider the height and flowering period when designing your flowerbeds, as these parameters vary significantly from one cultivar to another. It is wise to plant a few extra bulbs for cutting, as they make superb long-lasting flowers in a vase.